Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17802 · Stabilizers
The Boeing Company Airplanes
(1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se) does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a “change in product” alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-07-07 for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and - 900ER series airplanes. AD 2013-07-07 required inspecting to determine the part number of the attach pins of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar, and replacing certain attach pins. This new AD clarifies the parts installation limitation and prohibition, and adds a new requirement for certain airplanes on which certain attach pins were installed. This AD was prompted by inquiries from affected operators regarding the parts installation limitation and prohibition, and re- installation of certain attach pins that were removed for inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent premature failure of the attach pins, which could cause reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer to fuselage attachment, resulting in loss of control of the airplane.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 2013-07-07, Amendment 39-17411 (78 FR 22182, April 15, 2013). For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3534 inclusive: Before the accumulation of 56,000 total flight cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after May 20, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-07), whichever occurs later, inspect to determine the part number of the attach pins of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the attach pin can be conclusively determined from that review.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013-07-07, Amendment 39-17411 (78 FR 22182, April 15, 2013). If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any horizontal stabilizer rear spar attach pin has P/N 180A1612-3 or 180A1612-4, prior to the accumulation of 56,000 total flight cycles on the pin, or within 3,000 flight cycles after May 20, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-07), whichever occurs later, replace with a new attach pin having P/N 180A1612-7 or 180A1612-8, respectively, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-55-1093, dated April 9, 2012.
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i)(2) of AD 2013-07-07, Amendment 39-17411 (78 FR 22182, April 15, 2013). For airplanes having line numbers 3535 and subsequent: As of May 20, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-07-07), no person may install an attach pin of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar having P/N 180A1612-3 or 180A1612-4 on any airplane.
This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD 2013-07-07, Amendment 39-17411 (78 FR 22182, April 15, 2013). Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of AD 2004-05-19, Amendment 39-13514 (69 FR 10921, March 9, 2004; corrected April 13, 2004 (69 FR 19313)), for the rear spar attach pins only.
For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3534 inclusive: As of the effective date of this AD, an attach pin of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar having P/N 180A1612-3 or 180A1612-4 may be installed on an airplane, provided it is replaced with an attach pin having P/N 180A1612-7 or 180A1612-8, as applicable, prior to the accumulation of 56,000 total flight cycles on the attach pin. The replacement must be done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-55-1093, dated April 9, 2012.
For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 3534 inclusive on which an attach pin of the horizontal stabilizer rear spar having P/N 180A1612-7 or 180A1612-8 has been replaced with an attach pin having P/N 180A1612-3 or 180A1612-4 before the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 56,000 total flight cycles on the attach pin, or within 1,000 flight cycles on the airplane after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the attach pin having P/N 180A1612-3 or 180A1612-4 with an attach pin having P/N 180A1612-7 or 180A1612-8, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-55-1093, dated April 9, 2012.
